Jada Pinkett Smith Says She’s Leaving ‘Gotham’ After Season 1

“Gotham” star Jada Pinkett Smith has said that she won’t be returning to the hit Fox show for its second season. The actress appeared on “Live With Kelly and Michael” on Friday morning and, when asked if she would be back for the previously announced second season, said: “I don’t think so, no. I signed for a year, and the year is up. But, there are some great things coming ahead on ‘Gotham’ — believe you me, there’s a lot of good stuff coming.”

“Gotham’s” producers released a statement on Smith’s bombshell through the show’s reps: “Fish Mooney’s storyline takes a lot of interesting twists and turns into the finale of season one of ‘Gotham.'” The network and studio declined to comment further.

During the “Live” appearance, Smith enthused about her experience playing Fish Mooney, the ruthless mobster who mentored the Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor) before he betrayed her. “I get to play a character who gets to do extreme things. She’s evil — that’s always fun,” Smith said. “I’m having a good time.”

Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan were reluctant to accept the news of Smith’s departure, with Strahan insisting, “You never know, Fish Mooney could show up anywhere!”

Smith agreed, “She could show up anywhere, you never know.”

As one of the few characters on “Gotham” not taken from the Batman comics, Fish is the only major villain on the show whose fate is a mystery to comic book fans. But the actress’s scene-stealing performance has won its share of admirers, which could make killing Fish just as controversial as offing a canonical Batman baddie.

Related stories

'Poltergeist' Reboot Moved Up to May 22, 'Spy' Back to June 5

British Newcomer Florence Pugh Cast as Eric McCormack's Daughter in 'Studio City'

Watch 'Empire' Star V Bozeman's Full Performance of 'Black and Blue' (EXCLUSIVE)

Get more from Variety and Variety411: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter